The Power
C&S sparks young people to create bold, fresh civic solutions that move our country forward.
We partner with thousands of young leaders, college presidents, employers, community leaders, and donors across the country.
See the latest ideas & civic solutions created by the C&S community.
Our Mission
Gen Z has big, bold ideas for America’s future.
C&S creates spaces where young people can practice three essential civic skills and turn their ideas into real impact.
Having Productive Conversations
Having conversations that are anchored in curiosity, respect, and active listening.
Using Credible Information
Distinguishing and applying different sources of credible information.
Collaborating to Create Solutions
Working together to define, explore, and address a shared challenge.
By 2029
Our bold commitment to move the country forward.
20 Million
Young people stepping up as civic problem-solvers.
$25 Million
Invested to make participation possible.
Everywhere
On campuses. In communities. At work.
Where We Show Up
Building civic culture where young people gather.
On Campus
Through initiatives like College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, the Faculty Institute, and Mellon Fellowships, C&S helps colleges build a campuswide civic culture where every student can practice the civic skills they need to solve the real world problems affecting their generation. With support from C&S, schools can:
- Create spaces for students to listen, collaborate, and navigate differences.
- Embed civic learning into curriculum design.
- Measure outcomes with time-tested frameworks that help you find what works—and scale it.
In Communities
C&S partners with Gen Z civic leaders, nonprofits, and youth organizations to help the next generation channel their passion and ideas into real civic solutions. From youth-led summits to community-based projects, we co-create experiences that give young people the resources to solve real problems together.
- Inspire young people to lead local change aligned with their values.
- Create spaces where youth and adult leaders work together.
- Lean on C&S to ensure youth community initiatives continue to thrive as they evolve with changing culture.
At Work
C&S works with employers and industry partners, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to bring our expertise for civic development into the workplace. Through co-designed training and initiatives, C&S helps workplaces develop young professionals’ collaboration and communication skills so they can become better team members—and better citizens.
- Help young professionals improve teamwork and problem-solving.
- Foster a workplace culture where young professionals feel heard, valued, and prepared to navigate differences.
- Increase organizational effectiveness with civic learning tools that boost communication and productivity.
Words from our community
“Being able to talk to people of different generations has been very eye opening and something that a lot of young people don't get the opportunity to do. When there isn't that weird power dynamic of authority from an older figure, they're just as open, willing to listen, make mistakes and figure it out just as much as young people are.”
Wyatt Nako
Youth Civic Leader
“With America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people not only learn about our history but also practice the skills of civic dialogue and democratic decision-making when shaping what they want our next 250 years to look like.”
Kara Dillard
Professor, James Madison University
“It’s nice to be connected to other young leaders. Our country is really big and wide and so it’s helpful to meet with all these different youths that have pulses on really different community things and to learn from each other.”
Patricia Mathu
Youth Civic Leader
“Leaders of higher education must be in the business of bringing students together from widely different backgrounds and providing them the tools and the space to engage in dialogue. It is through a strong campus community--inside and outside the classroom--where disagreement can coexist with civility and that generations of young people can learn how to bridge, connect, and flourish.”
Linda G. Mills
President, New York University
“At a time when our nation feels increasingly fractured, I believe it’s more important than ever to invest in the people and programs working to build common ground. C&S is doing just that—preparing young people to lead with integrity, ask tough questions, and stay engaged in our democratic process.”
Judy Woodruff
PBS News Hour Senior Correspondent
"It's imperative for leaders in higher education to do all we can to promote dialogue across differences, and that's why I'm so excited to be a part of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness."
Sian Leah Beilock
President, Dartmouth
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